Roy E. Tappendick

Roy Eugene Tappendick, one of three sons born to the union of Rayburn Victor Tappendick and the late Nancy May (Vanatta) Tappendick, was born July 23, 1963 in Salina, Kansas. As an infant, Roy was baptized in the Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was later confirmed. Roy departed this life September 23, 2009 at his home in St. Robert, Missouri, at the age of 46 years and 2 months. Roy grew up and attended school in Salina, KS; where he lived with his father, Ray & mother, Becky and two brothers; Ray, Jr. and Jason. In 1981, Roy entered the United States Marine Corps. Roy was a 1316 welder and also a welding instructor at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. He also served as a Drill Instructor at Paris Island, SC and completed a three year tour in Japan. Roy's last duty station was Ft. Leonard Wood, MO where he served as a 1349 Engineer Equipment Chief for the Marine Corps Detachment. For his faithful and honorable service, he was awarded the Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (7th award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4th award), Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Certificate of Appreciation, Letter of Appreciation (2), along with other awards and commendations. Gunnery Sergeant Tappendick retired from active duty service in 2004. After retiring from the military, Roy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Columbia College. He then signed with Cape Fox as the lead instructor of the Motorcycle Safety Course at Ft. Leonard Wood. He was a member of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Marine Corp League-SGT. Darrell S. Cole, Unit 1165. Roy married Tracie Beth (Schmidt) Nordlof on March 25, 2005, at Ft. Leonard Wood. He loved riding motorcycles and teaching others how to “ride their own ride." He enjoyed and appreciated time spent with family and friends. Roy was infamous for his lavish BBQ spreads and bon fires. He and the family had great times bringing Roy's vision of Paradise to life in his garden. Roy was a true friend to many, a dedicated father to his children and a loving and devoted husband to his wife. He is survived by his wife: Tracie; Six children: SPC Gary Tappendick (Rebekah), stationed in Iraq, SPC Travis Tappendick (Mary), stationed in Korea, LeAnne Tappendick of Ft. Lewis, Washington, Ashley, Steven and Carrie Nordlof all of St. Robert; two grandchildren: Anthony and Hayden Tappendick; his father: Rayburn Tappendick, Sr. (Becky) of Salina, Kansas; two brothers: Ray Tappendick, Jr. (Becky) and Jason Tappendick (Stephanie) all of Salina, Kansas; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, other relatives and friends. A memorial service with military honors was held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 28, 2009 in the Soldier Memorial Chapel of Fort Leonard Wood with Chaplain (LT) James Storie officiating. Several family members and friends recalled their wonderful memories of Roy. The songs “That’s What She Gets”, “I Can Only Imagine” and “My Old Friend” were played. Roy’s sister-in-law, Stephanie Tappendick sang “Go Rest High on that Mountain”. Military honors were provided by the United States Marines of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Roy Tappendick and may be left at the funeral home.

Roy E. Tappendick

July 23, 1963 - September 23, 2009